Emergency crews and ambulance chiefs are keeping up the pressure on the public to use the service wisely following the launch of their hard-hitting poster campaign.

The well-publicised posters bearing the message "Call an ambulance for the wrong reason and someone could die" have already helped to reduce calls to the service.

But not everybody seems to have got the message.

These are just some of the calls received by the West Yorkshire ambulance service in the past few days:

* A call from a woman in Wakefield who was upset after an argument with a friend.

* A call from a man in Bradford who had tried to pull his tooth out with pliers.

* A call from a child whose mother had told her to ring 999 and ask if Santa Claus was here because the child was annoying her.

* A Huddersfield caller who had lost their keys.

* A call from a lady in Bradford who wanted an ambulance for a dead cat in the road.

Bob Williams, director of operations, said: "We are delighted that the number of emergency calls to the ambulance service has not increased by as much as normal in December.

"I firmly believe that the launch of the campaign and the resulting media coverage has been a significant contributory factor.

"That said, I can't believe that we are still receiving such ridiculous calls.

"If you are feeling unwell or are in pain you might not be thinking straight and call for an ambulance when perhaps your pharmacist, GP, NHS Direct or even dentist might be a better option.

"But to call 999 when you've lost your keys or because you've had a row with someone is wasting time and putting lives at risk."

Ambulance service PR Officer Jo Thorne added: "Many of the pubs, clubs, universities, student unions and community and leisure centres have shown their support for the campaign by displaying the poster.

"As a result of their interest we are now producing postcards carrying the same message."